Metro's Maestri & Rizzuto Recognized as Credit Union Heroes

Chelsea, MA (September 13, 2013) – Metro Credit Union, the Commonwealth’s largest state-chartered credit union, announced today that two of its employees, Michael Maestri and Saritin Rizzuto, have been named to a list of 12 “Credit Union Heroes” by Banker & Tradesman, an important and influential banking trade magazine.

In establishing the “Credit Union Heroes” award, Banker & Tradesman recognized that credit union professionals are often recognized for generating a large amount of loans, or opening a large volume of new accounts. So it sought to highlight “those who think beyond the bottom line, and work to benefit the community in which the credit union serves.” Through an annual nominating process, the magazine seeks help from the industry to identify worthy recipients who work tirelessly to not only deliver superior customer service, but also serve the community.

For Rizzuto, Metro CU’s community relations & business development officer, her day job consists of community organizing and relationship building to benefit low income and underserved populations. When her workday ends, she just keeps going, serving on the boards of nonprofits that include Casa Myrna, North Suffolk Mental Health, The East Boston Social Center, the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, Bunker Hill Community College Adult Education Advisory Board, and the Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce. Rizzuto was nominated by Metro CU’s Charlene Bauer, SVP of community relations and business development, who told the panel of judges that Rizzuto “epitomizes the true philosophy of the credit union movement: People Helping People, and is an example of integrity, leadership and community. Saritin is indefatigable; spending what seems like every waking moment ‘doing for others.’”

Throughout Maestri’s 13 years in consumer lending at Metro CU, he has always advocated for the credit union’s members. Today, as manager of consumer lending, Maestri encourages his team to examine each borrower as an individual, and to do what it takes to find ways to get them the loan they need. Away from the office, Maestri is active with the nonprofit Catching Joy as well as Community Cooks, Loaves and Fishes, the Greater Boston Food Bank, Christmas in the City, and Lowell Transitional Living Center. “Metro CU is very lucky to have a dedicated employee like Mike Maestri representing the organization,” Maria Justiniano, Metro CU’s vice president of consumer lending, said in her nomination of Maestri. “Mike is a quiet man who makes a huge difference in the lives of others, which he does not for fanfare or recognition, but simply to improve the world where he can.”

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